Remarks of Assistant Secretary Redl at The 6th Annual Internet of Things Global Summit

Without nationwide 5G, the Internet of Things won’t come close to reaching its full potential. The biggest challenge to the advancement of IoT is cybersecurity. If we want to realize the innovation and growth promised by IoT, we must ensure that Americans can trust the devices that they’re using. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is working across the federal government, with stakeholders here and around the world, to promote smart IoT policies that incorporate security and protect American consumers. 

In May, we submitted a report to the President that included five top-line goals and more than two dozen action items. Since then, we have been working to turn that report into an actionable roadmap which will help us to track our progress and prioritizes these actions – some of which have already begun. Of course, security is only part of the equation as we move toward a more connected world. The Department of Commerce, at the direction of the White House, recently asked the public for ideas on how to adapt privacy to today’s data-driven world. Our hope for this process is a result that will provide legal clarity, flexibility to innovate, and high levels of consumer protection.